Following the tragic death of 19-year-old NEET aspirant Deepak Gupta in Gorakhpur, allegedly at the hands of cattle smugglers, law enforcement has arrested key suspect Rahim after an armed encounter. The confrontation occurred during a joint operation conducted by the Pipraich police and a team from Kushinagar in Mauachapi village. Rahim sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire and is currently receiving medical treatment under police supervision. Gupta’s murder ignited widespread protests, including stone-pelting and road blockades, resulting in injuries to law enforcement officials, including SP North Jitendra Srivastava and Pipraich Police Station in-charge Puroshattam Anand Singh. Investigations revealed that the incident unfolded around 12:30 AM on Monday in Mauachapi village. Cattle smugglers arrived with three vehicles, and a confrontation ensued when villagers, including Deepak, attempted to stop them from untying cattle. The smugglers abducted Deepak, drove him for an hour, fatally injured him, and dumped his body several kilometers away. Protests erupted on Tuesday morning, leading to road closures and the deployment of police and PAC forces. Authorities have registered a case and formed multiple teams to apprehend the remaining suspects. One alleged smuggler was captured and subjected to violence by villagers. Initial reports indicating bullet injuries were refuted by officials. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called for stringent action, and senior officials have met with the victim’s family.
